Chris Tomasson / St. Paul Pioneer Press

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GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Vikings had their starting offensive line intact Saturday night for the first time in 2½ months, but it didn't last long. Left tackle Riley Reiff returned for a 16-0 win over Green Bay at Lambeau Field after missing one game with a sprained left ankle.That meant that the Vikings began a game with their five regular starting lineman for the first time since a 20-17 win at Chicago on Oct. 9.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — It was 10 degrees at kickoff, but the Vikings persevered Saturday night, Dec. 23, in what they hope was their last outdoor game of the season. The Vikings registered their first shutout in 23 years with a 16-0 win over punchless Green Bay at Lambeau Field. Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer has said he wants to play all playoff games at home, and that could include Super Bowl LII Feb. 4 indoors at U.S. Bank Stadium.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — NFL fans have declared Xavier Rhodes the best cornerback in the NFL. He does not disagree. "Of course I believe I'm the best," he said Wednesday. Rhodes finished with more votes than any cornerback in fan voting for the Pro Bowl this week and was one of four Vikings selected for the game. Being picked for the second consecutive year and first time as a starter, Rhodes was joined by defensive end Everson Griffen, linebacker Anthony Barr and receiver Adam Thielen.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.—Three familiar faces from the Vikings and a new guy are heading to the Pro Bowl. Defensive end Everson Griffen and linebacker Anthony Barr were named Tuesday night to the game for the third consecutive season and cornerback Xavier Rhodes for the second straight year. Making his first appearance will be wide receiver Adam Thielen.

MINNEAPOLIS — The last time Aaron Rodgers faced the Vikings, he suffered a broken collarbone two months ago on a hit by Anthony Barr. Will Rodgers get a chance to face them again Saturday night, Dec. 23, in Green Bay? Packers coach Mike McCarthy on Monday, Dec. 18, put off any decision until at least Tuesday on whether the quarterback will get another start after he returned from his injury for Sunday's 31-24 loss at Carolina.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr entered this season with something to prove to his head coach. Last December, with Barr finishing up a disappointing season, Mike Zimmer said he "sometimes has a tendency to coast a little bit." Barr said he used the comment as motivation. "Yeah, I mean I felt I wanted to prove myself that I was a better player than I was (in 2016) and that I could meet expectations, and I think I've done a pretty good job," Barr said in a recent interview. "From a year ago, I've come a long ways from there."

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — A year ago, Michael Floyd had what he says was a "wake-up call." On Dec. 12, 2016, the St. Paul native and former Cretin-Derham Hall High School star was arrested for DUI in Arizona, where he was playing for the Cardinals. Found asleep with his car running at a traffic light in Scottsdale, Floyd had a blood-alcohol level of .217, nearly three times the legal limit. In February, he pleaded guilty to extreme DUI and was sentenced to 24 days in jail and three months of home confinement. "It's been a long year," Floyd said.

MINNEAPOLIS — Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen talks a lot on the field and gobbles up quarterbacks. That is quite familiar to hall of fame defensive lineman John Randle, who played for Minnesota from 1990-2000. "Everson Griffen reminds me of myself," Randle said in a phone interview. "I like his style. I definitely love his energy. I love his motor. He's having so much fun out there, and he makes it look like he's having just a casual day out there on the football field."

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Vikings offensive linemen watched film Monday and it wasn't pretty. Minnesota gave up a season-high six sacks in Sunday's 31-24 loss at Carolina. Quarterback Case Keenum pointed the finger at himself after the game, saying he needs to get the ball out quicker, but those on the line did not agree. "We know that there's nowhere to put the blame but at ourselves," Jeremiah Sirles said after seeing how "poorly" the line had looked on film. Nick Easton agreed.